exit status

i downloaded a text file from metalab.unc.edu called sh.txt and in this reference manual it refers to shell scripting exit status .. at the end of one of the examples that author gave an exit status of 127..
to what does a 127 exit status refer too and what is its purpose in the code.
moxxx68

If you're using bash, have a look here.

This page shows exit codes with "special" meanings (for bash at least)

Be warned though - within scripts authors can give arbitrary exit codes on a whim and not stick to standards.

Cheers
ZB